Arunachal: NERIST Students on hunger strike

The fight for a regular Director in North East Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) escalated on Thursday, when 8 students of the institute initiated an indefinite hunger strike to protest against the central government’s “negligent attitude”.

The Students’ Union of NERIST (SUN) under the aegis of All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on February 27 last, launched an indefinite strike across its campus, demanding immediate appointment of a regular director for the 34-year-old science and technology –oriented higher education institute which has been functioning without a full-time director for the past four years.

The four hunger strikers camped out in front of NERIST gate, where they say they will remain without food until a regular director for the university is appointed.

Meanwhile, State BJP President Tapir Gao who came to visit the protesting students here, urged the students to withdraw their strike and said that union minister of MHRD Paraksh Javdekar has assured to deliver a Director for the deemed varsity in a week.

“This morning we had a party meeting regarding this and I myself had called Javdekar in the afternoon and briefed him about the situation. The union minister said that he is aware about it and that a full-time director will be deputed within seven days. I speak on his behalf and I pledge that if the demand is not met in this given time, I along with my party members shall join your protest”, said the BJP chief.

Also speaking to the emotionally aroused students, AAPSU General Secretary Tobom Dai said that their struggle won’t go in vain. We on our part are doing our best and our support shall always remain, he said.

Criticising the govt for the ‘disrespect shown’, he also warned that AAPSU may embark a state-wide strike if the govt does not pay heed to the demands of NERIST students.

If any untoward incident happens in this course of strike, the state and central govt will be held responsible, he said.

Continuing his line of attack on the govt the AAPSU leader also asserted that a ‘small spark should not be neglected’.

“AAPSU team has also met the MHRD two times regarding this. I don’t understand why it takes 4 years to appoint a regular one”, he further said.

SUN President Banta Natung said that, if assurances have to be made then it should come in written form or else the strike will go on. We are not here to listen to empty talks, we have had enough of it, he added.

“If the matter is being materialised then atleast the offer letter should be shown to us”, said a dismayed SUN president

Meanwhile in RGU, a solidarity protest rally was carried out this morning from RGUSU office to the university’s main gate. Vehicular movement remained suspended for about an hour. The rally was participated by eminent social activist Prof Nani Bath, AAPSU, RGUSU, SUN and RGURSF members.

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